How to build a dog kennel

A dog kennel can be built in any number of ways. This tutorial will take you through the steps to crafting a basic kennel that can be custom-built for your dog. In fact, you won't find any dimensions in this guide – it's up to you to choose your own measurements based on the size of your dog.

Structural components of a dog kennel

Choosing wood for a kennel

If you're looking for structural panels, OSB 4 will work best. But please note that while OSB 4 is water-resistant and will be able to cope with humidity in a sheltered spot, it won't be able to cope with outdoor conditions if left untreated. It's therefore important to paint or stain the kennel if it will be exposed to the elements or, alternatively, you can choose marine plywood instead.

The timbers don't need to meet any particular criteria. Simply choose the straightest timber possible and ensure the wood has been treated.

Choosing a kennel roof covering

In terms of roof covering, we've opted for a roll of self-adhesive roofing felt for easy application. If you prefer to use pre-cut felt roof shingles, you'll have to nail them into place before applying adhesive or heating them up using a blow-torch (if using torch-on shingles).

You may also want to use an alternative roof covering such as tile effect roof sheets or corrugated bitumen roof sheet. Ideally, you should use stainless steel screws to assemble the wood components.

In terms of tools, if you don't have all three saws, a basic jigsaw and a cordless screwdriver will do the job.

Before anything else, you'll have to measure your pet. It goes without saying that a Bernese Mountain Dog will feel a little cramped in a dog kennel built for a dachshund. And vice versa – a mountain dog's house will feel positively palatial to a sausage dog!

Measure your dog as indicated in the infographic and use these measurements to calculate the size of the kennel. Allow the roof to overhang by about 10 cm. The kennel can be as wide as you like.

• Once you've taken your measurements and decided how big the kennel needs to be, mark out the dimensions on the OSB.

• Draw out your shapes on the components then cut the panels using a circular saw. Use a jigsaw to cut the entrance. We've chosen to centre the entrance at the front but you can always cut it into the side of the kennel if it is wide enough.

• Cut your timbers down to 50x50mm using a handsaw or circular saw.

Sand down the edges of the kennel entrance.

• After cutting the timbers to size, follow the plan above to screw them onto the front and back panels using 4.5x45mm screws.

Fix two timbers along the longest edges on the underside of the kennel base. These timbers will lift the kennel off the ground.

• Screw the walls of the kennel to the front and back panels and to the timbers on the underside of the kennel.

• Fit the roof to the timbers positioned at the roof gables.

In these plans, the roof is made watertight using a roll of self-adhesive roofing felt to make things simple.

If required, measure out the material before covering the roof. Otherwise, simply roll the felt over the roof and glue it into place on each side before cutting to size at the edge of the roof using a utility knife.

If you want to insulate the kennel, double up on OSB and insert insulation between the two boards.

Required skills

In order to build your own dog kennel, you must be able to:

• use a drill;

• use a circular saw;

• use a jigsaw;

• take accurate measurements;

• assemble parts following instructions.

Time required

• 4 hours approx.

Number of people required

• One person

Tools and equipment

• Drill

• Screws and screwdriver bit

• Handsaw

• Tape measure and pencil

• Jigsaw

• Circular saw

Safety and workwear

• Protective gloves

• Safety goggles

• Hearing protection

• Workwear

Please note: this list is non-exhaustive; be sure to match your PPE to the job at hand.